£72,031 - £77,783 per annum pay award pending
Manchester is a city with momentum. We are ambitious, globally recognised and continually evolving—shaping a thriving, inclusive and well‑connected place for over half a million residents. To help us deliver on these ambitions, we are looking for an outstanding Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation to join one of the most dynamic and high‑profile local authority legal teams in the UK.
Why join Manchester Legal Services?
Our Legal and Democratic Services function is one of the largest in-house teams in the country. We operate a shared service with Salford City Council and deliver specialist work for the Greater Manchester Combined Authority—putting you at the heart of England’s first and biggest devolved region. Our 240+ strong legal workforce is recognised for its professionalism, passion and commitment. Our lawyers work on complex, nationally significant initiatives that shape the lives of residents and visitors every day. This role offers a rare opportunity to lead across a broad, high-performing portfolio and contribute to some of the most exciting legal, policy and regeneration work happening anywhere in the UK.
About the role
As Head of Legal, People Place & Regulation, you will provide leadership across five specialist teams—Community, Employment, Housing & Neighbour Nuisance, Litigation, and Regulatory & Enforcement. Reporting to the Assistant Director, you will play a key role in operational leadership, deputising as required and ensuring the delivery of high‑quality, insightful and solutions‑focused legal services.
You will also take a lead on cross‑cutting legal initiatives, oversee risk and LEXCEL compliance, support income and performance management, and carry a personal caseload of complex and sensitive matters.
This is a pivotal leadership role in a fast-moving, politically dynamic environment where your work will influence major decisions and real‑world outcomes for Manchester, Salford and our wider partners.
What we’re looking for
We’re seeking an exceptional legal leader—credible, collaborative and forward‑thinking. Someone who can bring people with them, inspire confidence, and deliver outstanding results across a large and varied portfolio.
You will bring:
- Solicitor, Barrister or Chartered Legal Executive status (with litigation rights).
- Significant experience managing complex legal work in a large, multifaceted organisation.
- Proven ability to build strong, trusted client relationships, including on sensitive and high‑profile matters.
- Demonstrable experience within at least two of the following areas; Community (Adult Social Care & Education), Employment, Housing, Litigation and Regulatory & Enforcement
- Strong strategic thinking, political awareness and the ability to influence at senior level.
- A track record of leading teams, driving performance, and delivering high‑quality legal outcomes.
- Understanding of the wider national policy landscape for local government.
What we offer
You’ll join an accredited service that values innovation, professional development and flexible working. Benefits include:
- Competitive salary with annual pay progression
- Hybrid working
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- 26 days’ annual leave (rising to 31 after five years)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
- A wealth of additional staff benefits and development opportunities
Join us—and help shape the legal foundations of a world‑class city.
For a confidential discussion contact: andrew.barton@penna.com or 07922 386 432
We’re the local council for one of the UK’s most vibrant and diverse cities.
Working for Manchester isn’t just a job – it’s an opportunity to contribute to a city that leads change and transforms lives. Whether it’s strengthening communities or driving innovation in public services, you’ll play a vital role in creating opportunities and shaping a brighter future for everyone.
Our Manchester is our vision for a fairer, greener, and healthier city – a vision shaped by the people of Manchester. It guides everything we do at the Council and is brought to life through the Our Manchester behaviours:
We take time to listen and understand
We work together and trust each other
We show that we value our differences and treat each other fairly
We ‘own it’ and we’re not afraid to try new things
We’re proud and passionate about Manchester
Generous holiday allowance - Enjoy up to 26 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays. Increasing to 31 days after five years of local government service. Want more leave? You can purchase up to two additional weeks.
A buzzing pension - You’ll be enrolled in the UK’s largest local government pension scheme, with plenty of options to top up your benefits. Includes life cover of three-times your salary as a lump sum.
Enhanced parental and carers leave - Take advantage of our enhanced family leave options, designed to provide ample time for you to bond with your new born or support your family during critical life events.
Brilliant perks - Access a range of discounts, from saving on the weekly shop to holidays and days out with MCR+. Plus discounts on phone contracts, cycle to work scheme, free flu jabs and eye tests, and more.
Learn and grow - We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing you with the tools to thrive. Take part in a diverse set of learning opportunities, from workshops and training sessions through to apprenticeships and qualifications. All this begins with our comprehensive onboarding process.
A Good Employment Charter member - We are committed to offering secure, flexible work and embedding fairness into everything we do. We review pay annually, recognize three trade unions, and are constantly working to offer the best possible health and wellbeing support throughout all stages of your working life.
- Up to 3 days volunteering leave - Give back to the community with three days pro-rate of paid volunteering leave, in addition to existing benefits.
Closing date: 26 July 2026
For further information or to apply, please click on the 'Enquire/Apply' button below. 
